Azhar Mahmood appointed Pakistan bowling coach

DUBAI: Pakistan finally signed a two-year contract with former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as their bowling coach, finalizing a financial deal which was the main hurdle in the negotiations.

The 41-year-old briefly served as bowling coach during the one-day and Twenty30 matches on team’s tour of England but was reluctant to join because of the low contract fee.

Pakistan Cricket Board said that Azhar will be bowling coach for two years.

Mahmood played 21 Tests and 143 one-day internationals for Pakistan before moving to England where he played and coached for Surrey.

Mahmmod helped Pakistan bowlers during another brief stint during the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 earlier this year and was praised by young bowlers for his astute knowledge of the limited overs cricket.